The Haunch of Venison MCQs & Summary

By: Prof. Dr. Fazal Rehman Shamil | Last updated: February 26, 2025

Summary:

The Haunch of Venison by Oliver Goldsmith is a humorous and satirical poem in which the speaker receives a haunch of venison as a gift but is unsure who sent it. He speculates about various wealthy individuals who might have given it to him and reflects on the social hierarchy, false generosity, and hypocrisy of the aristocracy. The poem critiques the vanity and superficial nature of high society while maintaining a lighthearted and witty tone. Eventually, the speaker discovers that the gift came from an honest, kind-hearted friend rather than the elite he had suspected.

MCQs:

1. What is The Haunch of Venison primarily about?
   A) A hunting expedition
   B) The speaker receiving a mysterious gift of venison
   C) A formal banquet in the king’s court
   D) A dispute over hunting rights
   Answer: B) The speaker receiving a mysterious gift of venison
2. What does the speaker first assume about the gift?
   A) It was a mistake
   B) It was sent by a wealthy aristocrat
   C) It was poisoned
   D) It was stolen
   Answer: B) It was sent by a wealthy aristocrat
3. Which literary device is most prominent in the poem?
   A) Simile
   B) Satire
   C) Metaphor
   D) Allegory
   Answer: B) Satire

   

4. What does the venison symbolize in the poem?
   A) The wealth and privilege of the upper class
   B) The cruelty of hunting
   C) The simple pleasures of life
   D) The importance of family tradition
   Answer: A) The wealth and privilege of the upper class
5. How does the speaker feel about the aristocracy?
   A) He deeply respects them
   B) He sees them as wise and just
   C) He mocks their vanity and hypocrisy
   D) He wishes to join them
   Answer: C) He mocks their vanity and hypocrisy
6. What is ironic about the ending of the poem?
   A) The venison was actually rotten
   B) The gift came from an honest friend, not the wealthy elite
   C) The speaker refuses to eat the venison
   D) The venison is stolen before he can enjoy it
   Answer: B) The gift came from an honest friend, not the wealthy elite
7. What type of poem is The Haunch of Venison?
   A) An epic
   B) A ballad
   C) A mock-heroic poem
   D) A lyrical ode
   Answer: C) A mock-heroic poem
8. What is the main theme of the poem?
   A) The pleasures of fine dining
   B) The foolishness of social status and vanity
   C) The cruelty of hunting
   D) The power of friendship
   Answer: B) The foolishness of social status and vanity
9. What is the tone of the poem?
   A) Serious and dramatic
   B) Playful and witty
   C) Dark and mysterious
   D) Angry and bitter
   Answer: B) Playful and witty
10. Why does the speaker feel conflicted about the venison?
    A) He is unsure if he should eat it
    B) He believes it was meant for someone else
    C) He is confused about who sent it and their intentions
    D) He does not like the taste of venison
    Answer: C) He is confused about who sent it and their intentions